Relay device, communication system, relay method, and program

Abstract

A relay device that can reduce the load on a private branch exchange when an extension representative number is called in is provided. A relay device (1) includes a reception unit (2), a generation unit (4), and a transmission unit (6). The reception unit (2) receives, from a private branch exchange, call notification information indicating a call notification that is a notification indicating that an extension representative number is called in. The generation unit (4) generates, for each of a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to an extension representative number group, a push notification request corresponding to the call notification, based on the call notification information. The transmission unit (6) performs processing for transmitting the push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to relay devices, communication systems, relay methods, and procedures. Background Technology

[0002] Dedicated private exchange (PBX) technology, which connects numerous dedicated branch telephones to a public switched telephone network, is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for such a technology, comprising a PBX and a caller information notification management device, enabling smartphones receiving call transfers via the PBX to reliably verify caller information. In Patent Document 1, the PBX transfers incoming calls to extension terminals from a source telephone to a smartphone and sends an incoming call notification to the caller information notification management device, including the source telephone's phone number and the extension terminal's phone number. After receiving the incoming call notification from the PBX, the caller information notification management device sends a request to a push notification server for push notification of caller information, which includes the caller's phone number destined for the smartphone.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a telephone exchange apparatus that connects multiple telephone terminals to each other via a communication network to send voice packets and allows the multiple telephone terminals to communicate with each other. When a connection request to an extension group is generated, the telephone exchange apparatus of Patent Document 2 performs connection control on the telephone terminals of the corresponding extension group by referring to a group table. When connected to an extension group, the telephone exchange apparatus forwards the voice packets sent from the request source to all telephone terminals belonging to that extension group via the communication network.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-212942

[0007] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-019984 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, when a call comes in to an extension representative number, the dedicated telephone exchange (telephone switching device) sends (transfers) call notifications to terminals belonging to the extension representative number group. Specifically, according to Patent Document 2, the telephone switching device generates a group paging request signal, which includes group setting information for all telephone terminals belonging to the extension group. As described above, in the technology disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, when a call comes in to an extension representative number, the dedicated PBX sends as many notification messages as there are for each incoming call to the extension representative number as there are for all terminals belonging to the extension representative number group. Therefore, the load on the dedicated PBX may increase.

[0010] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a trunking device, communication system, trunking method and procedure that can reduce the load on a dedicated PBX when making incoming calls to extension numbers.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] The relay device according to this disclosure includes: a receiving device for receiving incoming call notification information from a dedicated PBX, the incoming call notification being a notification indicating an incoming call to an extension representative number; a generating device for generating a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to an extension representative number group based on the incoming call notification information; and a sending device for performing processing for sending the push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0013] Furthermore, the communication system according to this disclosure includes: a relay device and a dedicated small exchange.

[0014] Furthermore, the relay method according to this disclosure includes: receiving incoming call notification information from a dedicated PBX, the incoming call notification being a notification indicating an incoming call to an extension representative number; generating a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to an extension representative number group based on the incoming call notification information; and performing processing for sending the push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0015] Furthermore, the procedure according to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: receiving incoming call notification information from a dedicated PBX, the incoming call notification being a notification indicating an incoming call to an extension representative number; generating a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group based on the incoming call notification information; and performing processing for sending the push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0016] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0017] According to this disclosure, a trunking device, communication system, trunking method, and procedure can be provided to reduce the load on a dedicated PBX when making incoming calls to extension numbers. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a summary of a relay device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 A flowchart of the relay method performed by the relay device shown;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a conceptual diagram illustrating the call notification process when an extension number is called;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system according to a first example embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a database of extension representative number groups according to a first example embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a relay server according to a first example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating a communication method (relay method) performed by a communication system according to a first example embodiment; and

[0025] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating a communication method (relay method) performed by a communication system according to a first example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] (Summary of exemplary embodiments based on this disclosure)

[0027] Before giving a description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an outline of exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic representation of a relay device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The relay device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a server. Therefore, the relay device 1 functions as a relay server.

[0028] The relay device 1 is communicatively connected to a dedicated small branch exchange (PBX). The relay device 1 includes a receiving unit 2, a generating unit 4, and a transmitting unit 6. The receiving unit 2 functions as a receiving device. The generating unit 4 functions as a generating device. The transmitting unit 6 functions as a transmitting device. The processing of the receiving unit 2, the generating unit 4, and the transmitting unit 6 will be described below.

[0029] Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates the relay method performed by the relay device 1. The receiving unit 2 receives incoming call notification information from a dedicated PBX, indicating an incoming call to an extension representative number (step S12). The generating unit 4 generates a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of the multiple mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group, based on the incoming call notification information (step S14). The sending unit 6 performs processing to send the push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal (step S16). For example, the sending unit 6 can send the push notification request to a push notification server. Therefore, the push notification request is sent to the mobile terminal. The push notification server is communicatively connected to the relay device 1. The push notification server is a server that sends push notifications to mobile terminals.

[0030] Figure 3 This diagram conceptually illustrates the call notification process when a call is made to an extension representative number. Assume a call is made to extension representative number a1 via an extension call or an outside call. In this case, trunk device 1 generates push notification requests corresponding to call notifications for mobile terminal numbers a3 belonging to multiple mobile terminals in extension representative number group a2, which is a group of extension representative numbers a1. Trunk device 1 then sends the push notification request to each mobile terminal via, for example, a push notification server.

[0031] In this way, the relay device 1 distributes incoming calls to multiple mobile terminals belonging to extension representative number group a2. Therefore, an incoming call notification is displayed on each mobile terminal. Note that even when a no-response notification is sent to the dedicated PBX after an incoming call, the relay device 1 generates a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification for the mobile terminal number a3 of the multiple mobile terminals belonging to extension representative number group a2.

[0032] As described above, the relay device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured to generate a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of the multiple mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group when an incoming call is made to the extension representative number for the dedicated PBX. Therefore, the dedicated PBX does not need to generate incoming call notification information for the multiple mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group and send that information to each mobile terminal. Therefore, the load (network load, etc.) on the dedicated PBX can be reduced. Therefore, the dedicated PBX can smoothly perform other switching processes (processes of exchanging information over the network, such as receiving, responding to, and transferring telephone calls). Figure 2The relay method shown and the program used to implement the relay method can also reduce the load on the dedicated small switch. A communication system including relay device 1 and a dedicated small switch can also reduce the load on the dedicated small switch.

[0033] (First Example Implementation)

[0034] In the following description, exemplary embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the description and drawings have been omitted and appropriately simplified. Furthermore, in all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where necessary.

[0035] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a communication system 10 according to a first example embodiment. The communication system 10 includes a telephone 20, a dedicated small exchange (PBX) 40, a trunk server 100, a push notification server 60, and multiple mobile terminals 70 (70A, 70B, ...). The PBX 40 is connected to the telephone 20 via an extension or external telephone network 11. The PBX 40 is connected to the trunk server 100 via the Internet 12. The PBX 40 can connect to the mobile terminals 70 via the Internet. One trunk server 100 can connect to multiple PBXs 40. In this case, multiple PBXs 40 can share one trunk server 100.

[0036] Relay server 100 is connected to push notification server 60 via Internet 13. Push notification server 60 is connected to mobile terminal 70 via mobile carrier network 14. Although Internet 12 and Internet 13 are shown separately in the figure, they can be the same Internet (e.g., Internet 12).

[0037] The dedicated PBX 40 can be, for example, a computer. The PBX 40 relays communication between the telephone 20 and the mobile terminal 70 via the telephone network 11 and the Internet 12. When a call to an extension number is received from the telephone 20, the PBX 40 retrieves the mobile terminal number of the mobile terminal 70 belonging to the extension number group associated with that extension number using a database of extension number groups. The PBX 40 sends the retrieved mobile terminal number to the trunk server 100. When the PBX 40 receives a call to an extension number from the telephone 20, it sends a call notification message to the trunk server 100, including information about the extension number group. Here, the extension number is, for example, the extension number of any (all) terminals of an organization such as a business.

[0038] Relay server 100 corresponds to Figure 1The relay device 1 is shown. The relay server 100 is, for example, a computer. The relay server 100 communicates with the push notification server 60 instead of the dedicated switch 40. In other words, the relay server 100 relays the communication between the dedicated switch 40 and the push notification server 60. Therefore, the relay server 100 acts as a proxy server (push proxy server). The configuration of the relay server 100 will be described later.

[0039] Based on the information of the extension representative number group received from the dedicated PBX 40, the relay server 100 generates a push notification request for each mobile terminal number and sends the push notification request to the push notification server. Specifically, the relay server 100 converts the incoming call notification information about the extension representative number group sent from the dedicated PBX 40 into incoming call notification information to be sent to the corresponding mobile terminal 70. Then, the relay server 100 sends the converted incoming call notification information as a push notification request to the push notification server 60. Here, the relay server 100 converts the incoming call notification sent from the dedicated PBX 40 into a push notification request to meet the specifications of the push notification server 60.

[0040] The push notification server 60 is, for example, a computer. The push notification server 60 sends a push notification to the corresponding mobile terminal 70 based on a push notification request received from the relay server 100.

[0041] Mobile terminal 70 is, for example, a computer. Mobile terminal 70 is connected to dedicated PBX 40 via a telephone extension network or the Internet 12. Mobile terminal 70 can make extension calls (i.e., extension-to-extension calls) and outgoing line calls via dedicated PBX 40. Mobile terminal 70 receives push notifications from push notification server 60 via mobile carrier network 14. Based on the content of the push notification, mobile terminal 70 notifies users of incoming calls via screen display, sound, or vibration. Therefore, a user of mobile terminal 70 can perform actions to respond to incoming calls to the extension representative number.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a database of extension representative number groups according to a first example embodiment. Figure 5In the example, for instance, the mobile terminal number of mobile terminal 70 belonging to the extension number group "1100" includes mobile terminal number #1-1, mobile terminal number #1-2, mobile terminal number #1-3, and mobile terminal number #1-4. Mobile terminal number #1-1 is "extension phone number 1101, outside line phone number 090-1234-1101". Mobile terminal number #1-2 is "extension phone number 1102, outside line phone number 090-1234-1102". Mobile terminal number #1-3 is "extension phone number 1103, outside line phone number 090-1234-1103". Mobile terminal number #1-4 is "extension phone number 1104, outside line phone number 090-1234-1104". The same applies to extension number groups such as "1200".

[0043] When, for example, a dedicated PBX 40 receives a call from telephone 20 for extension number "1100", the dedicated PBX 40 uses... Figure 5 The database shown is used to retrieve mobile terminal numbers #1-1, #1-2, #1-3, and #1-4. The dedicated PBX 40 sends these mobile terminal numbers to the trunk server 100. The dedicated PBX 40 also sends information related to the extension representative number group "1100" to the trunk server 100.

[0044] As described above, in the communication system 10 according to the first example embodiment, a dedicated switch 40 retrieves mobile terminal numbers from the extension representative number group. The dedicated switch 40 sends incoming call notification information to the relay server 100, which includes the retrieved mobile terminal numbers and information about the extension representative number group. The relay server 100 combines the sent mobile terminal numbers and extension representative number group information to generate a push notification request for each mobile terminal 70 in a form conforming to the specifications of the push notification server 60.

[0045] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a relay server 100 according to a first example embodiment. The relay server 100 includes a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit (IF) 108 as its main hardware components. The control unit 102, storage unit 104, communication unit 106, and interface unit 108 are connected to each other via a data bus, etc. Note that... Figure 4 The telephone 20, dedicated PBX 40, push notification server 60, and mobile terminal 70 shown may also include Figure 6 The hardware configuration shown.

[0046] The control unit 102 is, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 102 functions as an arithmetic device performing, for example, control processing and arithmetic processing. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 104 functions for storing, for example, control programs and arithmetic programs executed by the control unit 102. Furthermore, the storage unit 104 functions for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The memory 104 may include a database.

[0047] Communication unit 106 performs the processing required for communication with dedicated mini-switch 40 and push notification server 60. Communication unit 106 may include, for example, communication ports, routers, and firewalls. Interface unit (IF) 108 is, for example, a user interface (UI). Interface unit 108 includes input devices such as a keyboard, touch panel, or mouse and output devices such as a display or speakers. Interface unit 108 receives operations of input data performed by the system administrator and outputs information to the system administrator.

[0048] The relay server 100 according to the first example embodiment includes a receiving unit 112, a generating unit 114, and a sending unit 116 as components. The receiving unit 112 corresponds to... Figure 1 The receiving unit 2 is shown. The receiving unit 112 includes functions as a receiving device. The generating unit 114 corresponds to... Figure 1 The generation unit 4 is shown. Generation unit 114 includes functions as a generation device. Transmission unit 116 corresponds to... Figure 1 The transmitting unit 6 is shown. The transmitting unit 116 includes functions as a transmitting device. The processing of the receiving unit 112, the generating unit 114, and the transmitting unit 116 will be described with reference to the timing diagrams to be described later.

[0049] Please note that each of the aforementioned components can be implemented, for example, by executing a program under the control of control unit 102. More specifically, each of these components can be implemented by control unit 102 executing a program stored in storage unit 104. Furthermore, each of these components can be implemented as needed by installing the necessary program stored in any non-volatile recording medium. Moreover, each of these components is not necessarily implemented by software executed by a program, but can instead be implemented, for example, by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Furthermore, each of these components can also be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a microcomputer. In this case, the program composed of each of the aforementioned components can be implemented using that integrated circuit.

[0050] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating a communication method (relay method) performed by the communication system 10 according to a first example embodiment. Figure 7 The process flow is illustrated when any of the mobile terminals 70 responds to an incoming call notification. Telephone 20 calls the extension representative number (step S102). Therefore, the dedicated PBX 40 receives the incoming call for the extension representative number from telephone 20. The dedicated PBX 40 sends the incoming call notification information to the trunk server 100 (step S104).

[0051] The relay server 100 sends a push notification request to each mobile terminal 70 (step S106). Specifically, the receiving unit 112 receives incoming call notification information from the dedicated small switch 40 via the Internet 12 and the communication unit 106. This incoming call notification information includes the mobile terminal number and information about the extension representative number group. The receiving unit 112 outputs the received incoming call notification information to the generation unit 114. The generation unit 114 analyzes the incoming call notification information and generates a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification information for each of the multiple mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group. The sending unit 116 sends the push notification request to the push notification server 60 via the communication unit 106 and the network.

[0052] The specific processing of generation unit 114 will be described below. Generation unit 114 converts incoming call notification information into push notification requests to be sent to each mobile terminal 70. More specifically, generation unit 114 generates push notification requests to be sent to the corresponding mobile terminals 70 based on the mobile terminal numbers and extension representative numbers in the extension representative number group, taking into account the number of mobile terminals 70. At this time, generation unit 114 can generate push notification requests such that the mobile terminal numbers in the extension representative number group are set as the destination (sending destination).

[0053] For example, generation unit 114 generates a push notification request that includes a call answering special number, an extension representative number, and a caller number (i.e., caller ID). Here, the call answering special number is the number used to respond to an incoming call to the extension representative number. The caller number is the number (i.e., the telephone number) of the telephone 20 that has already called the extension representative number. Therefore, as described later, a call can be established between the mobile terminal 70 and the telephone 20.

[0054] For example, in Figure 5In the example, assume there is a simultaneous call sent (paging) from telephone 20 to extension number "1100" (S102). In this case, the dedicated PBX 40 sends a notification (call notification information) to the trunk server 100 regarding the simultaneous call sent to extension number "1100" (S104). In this case, the generation unit 114 of the trunk server 100 converts the call notification information indicating extension number "1100" into call notification information indicating mobile phone numbers belonging to the extension number group (push notification request). That is, the generation unit 114 converts the call notification information indicating extension number "1100" into call notification information indicating mobile phone number "090-1234-1101" belonging to the extension number group. Similarly, the generation unit 114 of the trunk server 100 converts the call notification information indicating extension number "1100" into call notification information indicating mobile phone number "090-1234-1102" belonging to the extension number group. This also applies to mobile phone numbers such as "090-1234-1103" and "090-1234-1104". Then, the sending unit 116 sends the converted call notification information (push notification request) to the mobile terminal 70 corresponding to the mobile phone number indicated in the converted call notification information via the push notification server 60.

[0055] After receiving a push notification request from relay server 100, push notification server 60 sends a push notification corresponding to the push notification request to each mobile terminal 70 (step S108). Therefore, the push notification is transmitted via mobile carrier network 14 to mobile terminals 70A and 70B belonging to the extension representative number group. Consequently, mobile terminals 70A and 70B activate incoming call notification.

[0056] Then, mobile terminal 70 can respond to the received push notification by responding to the extension number that telephone 20 is calling. Figure 7 In the example, mobile terminal 70A (mobile terminal A) performs a response operation. Therefore, mobile terminal 70A responds to the dedicated small exchange 40 by answering a call (step S112).

[0057] Specifically, according to the push notification request generated by the generation unit 114, the push notification includes information (numbers) required for the response operation, such as a special call answering number, extension representative number, and caller number. Therefore, when the mobile terminal 70A performs a response operation after receiving the push notification, the mobile terminal 70A performs a send operation (call answering response) of the response request to the dedicated small exchange 40 by using the aforementioned numbers.

[0058] After receiving a response request from mobile terminal 70A, dedicated exchange 40 responds to telephone 20 for the originating call (S102) (step S114). Specifically, dedicated exchange 40 analyzes the number sent from mobile terminal 70A and sends a response request to telephone 20 for the call originating from telephone 20. Therefore, dedicated exchange 40 performs connection processing between telephone 20 and mobile terminal 70A. In this way, the call between telephone 20 and mobile terminal 70A is initiated (step S116).

[0059] Furthermore, when one of the mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group responds during the incoming call notification, a no-response notification message is transmitted to the mobile terminal 70 via the same path as the incoming call notification (S104 to S108), and the incoming call notification is terminated (S124 to S128). Specifically, when one of the mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group responds, the dedicated small exchange 40 sends a no-response notification message (step S124). The no-response notification message is an instruction indicating that an incoming call to the currently in progress extension representative number will not be responded to. In this case, the no-response notification message indicates that one of the multiple mobile terminals 70 has responded to the notification of the incoming call to the extension representative number. The no-response notification message can indicate the extension representative number that a certain mobile terminal 70 has responded to. For example, when the mobile terminal 70 responds to the extension representative number "1100", the no-response notification message indicates the extension representative number "1100".

[0060] Relay server 100 sends a push notification request to each mobile terminal 70 (step S126). Specifically, receiving unit 112 receives no-response notification information from dedicated PBX 40 via Internet 12 and communication unit 106. This no-response notification information includes information related to the extension representative number group. Receiving unit 112 outputs the received no-response notification information to generating unit 114. Generating unit 114 analyzes the no-response notification information and generates a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification information for each of the multiple mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group. Sending unit 116 sends the push notification request to push notification server 60 via communication unit 106 and network.

[0061] In this scenario, generation unit 114 generates a push notification request corresponding to a no-response notification for each of the mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group, including the mobile terminal 70 currently responding to an incoming call. Then, sending unit 116 sends the push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification to all mobile terminals 70. For example, when mobile terminal 70A responds to the extension representative number "1100", sending unit 116 sends a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification to all mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group, including mobile terminal 70A.

[0062] Upon receiving a push notification request from relay server 100, push notification server 60 sends a push notification corresponding to the push notification request to each mobile terminal 70 (step S128). Therefore, the push notification is transmitted via mobile carrier network 14 to mobile terminals 70A and 70B belonging to the extension representative number group. Consequently, the call notification is terminated in mobile terminal 70B. In this case, mobile terminal 70A, communicating with telephone 20, is configured to ignore the push notification (no-response notification). In this way, by jointly sending a no-response notification to all mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group, the dedicated PBX 40 does not need to search which mobile terminal 70 has responded. Therefore, the load on the dedicated PBX 40 can be reduced.

[0063] Figure 8 This illustrates the processing flow when phone 20 disconnects the call before mobile terminal 70 responds to the incoming call notification. Note that the processing in S102 to S108 is similar to... Figure 7 The processing shown is essentially the same, and therefore its description will be omitted. When telephone 20 disconnects a call (step S132), the dedicated PBX 40 receives the disconnection notification of the call from telephone 20 to the extension representative number. At this time, the dedicated PBX 40 sends a no-response notification message (step S134). In this case, the no-response notification message is an instruction to not respond to the incoming call to the extension representative number that is currently being called, because the call to the extension representative number has been disconnected. The no-response notification message may indicate the extension representative number corresponding to the disconnected call. For example, when the call to extension representative number "1100" is disconnected, the no-response notification message indicates extension representative number "1100".

[0064] Relay server 100 sends a push notification request to each mobile terminal 70 (step S136). Specifically, receiving unit 112 receives no-response notification information from dedicated PBX 40 via Internet 12 and communication unit 106. This no-response notification information includes information related to the extension representative number group. Receiving unit 112 outputs the received no-response notification information to generating unit 114. Generating unit 114 analyzes the no-response notification information and generates a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification information for each of the multiple mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group. Sending unit 116 sends the push notification request to push notification server 60 via communication unit 106 and network.

[0065] Upon receiving a push notification request from relay server 100, push notification server 60 sends a push notification corresponding to the push notification request to each mobile terminal 70 (step S138). Therefore, the push notification is transmitted via mobile carrier network 14 to mobile terminals 70A and 70B belonging to the extension representative number group. Consequently, incoming call notifications are terminated in mobile terminals 70A and 70B.

[0066] In the aforementioned related technologies, when a call is received from an extension representative number, the dedicated PBX simultaneously sends call instructions to both fixed and mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group that received the call. That is, according to the related technologies, the dedicated PBX uses the extension representative number group to simultaneously notify the registered fixed and portable terminals in the extension representative number group of the incoming call to the extension representative number. Therefore, the registered fixed and portable terminals in the extension representative number group can respond to the incoming call to the extension representative number.

[0067] However, in recent mobile terminals, to save power, there are situations where mobile terminal applications can only receive incoming call commands when the application is not in sleep mode. For example, there are cases where the mobile terminal's operating system (OS) restricts the background execution of applications. In this case, if the execution of the application used for incoming calls is limited by the OS's processing, the mobile terminal can only receive notifications when the OS is not in sleep mode. In other words, even if a dedicated PBX simultaneously sends incoming call commands to mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group, the reception can only be confirmed on the mobile terminal whose application was not in sleep mode when the incoming call command was sent. Therefore, mobile terminal users cannot reliably confirm incoming call commands to the extension representative number group.

[0068] In addition, mobile terminals often use the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) method to perform incoming call notifications. This method requires the calling application to be constantly active to receive SIP messages, which can increase power consumption.

[0069] To address this issue, push notifications can be used to send call notifications even when the mobile device is in sleep mode. Specifically, by sending a push notification to the mobile device, any application in sleep mode can be activated. That is, by sending a push notification to the mobile device and activating the calling application, the mobile device can receive call notification information, execute the call notification, and be ready to respond. Furthermore, since applications can be operated only when needed, notifications can be delivered reliably while reducing the mobile device's battery consumption.

[0070] If a dedicated PBX sends such push notifications to a mobile terminal, the load on the dedicated PBX increases. Specifically, the network load on the dedicated PBX increases when it attempts to convert an incoming call notification into a push notification according to the push notification server's specifications. This can affect the dedicated PBX's primary functions for exchanging information over the network, such as receiving, responding to, and transferring telephone calls.

[0071] Furthermore, in related technologies, when a dedicated PBX sends a notification to all mobile terminals belonging to an extension representative number group, the PBX needs to send as many notification messages for each incoming call to the extension representative number as there are terminals belonging to the extension representative number group. Therefore, the network load on the PBX increases during incoming calls. For example, in the case of simultaneous paging of an extension representative number, the PBX needs to convert the called extension representative number into a mobile phone number belonging to the extension representative number group and send that mobile phone number to each mobile phone terminal via the public mobile network. Therefore, since a call to one internal extension representative number becomes multiple external calls, a significant load is placed on the PBX.

[0072] On the other hand, the relay server 100 according to the first example embodiment is configured to convert incoming call notification information into push notification requests sent to each mobile terminal. In this way, by distributing the load of incoming call notifications to the relay server 100, the network load on the dedicated switch can be reduced. Therefore, the impact on the main functions of the dedicated mini-switch can be reduced.

[0073] Please note that the dedicated PBX 40 may include the following function: when the mobile terminal 70 responds to an incoming call to an extension representative number, it verifies that the caller number displayed on the application of the mobile terminal 70 matches the caller number of the actual telephone that made the call to the responding extension representative number. In this method, the mobile terminal 70, which has received the call notification, displays the caller number and the extension representative number (or the extension representative number group name (e.g., "General Affairs Representative")).

[0074] In this scenario, suppose callers X and Y (who are different callers (telephones)) sequentially call and disconnect from the same extension number. Due to internet congestion, the order in which push notifications are delivered to mobile terminal 70 could be: caller X's incoming call notification, caller Y's incoming call notification, caller X's no-response notification, and caller Y's no-response notification. In this situation, when mobile terminal 70 responds to an incoming call, the following problem may occur: even if the displayed caller number is caller X's, mobile terminal 70 still connects to caller Y.

[0075] To solve this problem, when responding to an incoming call to an extension number ( Figure 7 In step S112), mobile terminal 70 adds the caller's number to the destination information of the INVITE request in the SIP sequence, as shown below:

[0076] (Call answering special number) + (Extension number) + (Separator) + (Caller's number) @ (Domain name).

[0077] For example, if the caller ID number is "#123", the extension number that has called it is "1000", the caller ID number is "8000", the separator is "sep", and the domain name is "sample.com", then the destination information requested by INVITE would be "#1231000sep8000@sample.com".

[0078] Upon receiving an INVITE request, the dedicated PBX 40 reads the number between the separator and the domain name as the caller's number. The PBX 40 compares this read caller's number with the caller's number of the extension representative. If they match, the PBX 40 connects the call between the caller and the mobile terminal 70, allowing it to respond to the call. Conversely, if they do not match, the PBX 40 does not connect the call, preventing it from responding to the call. By performing this process, even if a push notification of no response is not normally sent to the mobile terminal 70, mismatches between the caller's number displayed on the mobile terminal 70 and the actual caller's number that it responds to can be prevented or reduced.

[0079] (Modified example)

[0080] Please note that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. In the above flowcharts and timing diagrams, the order of each process (step) can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, one or more of the multiple processes (steps) can be omitted.

[0081] In the foregoing example embodiment, the scenario of sending an incoming call notification to mobile terminal 70 has been described, but this configuration is merely an example. For instance, with Figure 7 The processes shown in S104 to S108 are similar, and call status information such as response, hold, and transfer can also be notified to the mobile terminal 70. Specifically, the dedicated PBX 40 sends call status information to the trunk server 100 (S104). The trunk server 100 sends a push notification request to the push notification server 60, which is sent to the mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group and corresponds to the call status information (S106). The push notification server 60 sends a push notification to each mobile terminal 70 (S108). Therefore, the call status is displayed on each mobile terminal 70.

[0082] exist Figure 7 In the processes shown in S104 to S108, when sending the incoming call notification information, the caller's information can be sent along with additional information. This additional information includes the caller's history or memos. Specifically, when sending the incoming call notification information, the dedicated PBX 40 retrieves information about the caller and sends the retrieved information along with the incoming call notification information as additional information (S104). The trunk server 100 sends a push notification request to the push notification server 60, which is sent to the mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group and corresponds to the incoming call notification information and additional information (S106). The push notification server 60 sends a push notification to each mobile terminal 70 (S108). Therefore, when a call comes in, the caller's additional information is displayed on each mobile terminal 70.

[0083] Furthermore, changing the notification content from the dedicated PBX 40 from incoming call notification to dedicated broadcast (i.e., public address notification) allows mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group to output dedicated broadcasts. Specifically, the dedicated PBX 40 sends information for outputting dedicated broadcasts (dedicated broadcast information) to the trunk server 100 (S104). The trunk server 100 sends a push notification request to the push notification server 60, which is sent to the mobile terminals 70 belonging to the extension representative number group and corresponds to the dedicated broadcast information (S106). The push notification server 60 sends a push notification to each mobile terminal 70 (S108). Therefore, each mobile terminal 70 outputs a dedicated broadcast.

[0084] In the example embodiment described above, the extension representative number is an extension number sent to any terminal of an organization such as a business, but this configuration is merely an example. An extension representative number can be an extension number sent to multiple terminals of a single person. Therefore, an extension representative number group can be a group consisting of multiple terminals of a single person. In this case, for example, the extension representative number could be a landline phone number belonging to a person's own seat, and the mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group could be mobile terminal numbers owned by the individual. Therefore, the mobile terminal can receive incoming calls even when the individual is away from their seat.

[0085] In the examples above, any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium can be used to store and provide the program to the computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media includes any type of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disks, etc.), optical-magnetic storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD read-only memory (ROM), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash memory ROM, random access memory (RAM), etc.). Furthermore, any type of transient computer-readable medium can be used to provide the program to the computer. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable media can provide the program to the computer via wired communication lines (e.g., electrical wires and optical fibers) or wireless communication lines.

[0086] All or part of the example embodiments disclosed above may be described in, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 1)

[0088] A relay device, comprising:

[0089] A receiving device is used to receive incoming call notification information from a dedicated small exchange, which indicates that an incoming call has been made to the extension representative number.

[0090] The generating device is configured to generate a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of a group of mobile terminals belonging to an extension representative number, based on the incoming call notification information; and

[0091] A sending device is used to perform processing for sending a push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 2)

[0093] According to the relay device described in Supplementary Note 1, the generating device converts incoming call notification information into push notification requests to be sent to each mobile terminal.

[0094] (Supplementary Note 3)

[0095] According to the relay device described in Supplementary Note 2, the generating device generates a push notification request based on the terminal numbers and extension representative numbers of multiple mobile terminals, wherein the terminal numbers belong to the extension representative number group included in the incoming call notification information.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 4)

[0097] According to the relay device described in Supplementary Note 3, the generating device generates a push notification request, which includes: a call answering special number, which is a number used to respond to an incoming call to an extension representative number; the extension representative number; and the caller number, which is the telephone number that is calling the extension representative number.

[0098] (Supplementary Note 5)

[0099] According to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 4, in the relay device, the transmitting device sends a push notification request to the push notification server, and the push notification server sends a push notification to the mobile terminal.

[0100] (Supplementary Note 6)

[0101] According to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, the relay device, wherein,

[0102] When the receiving device receives a no-response notification message from a dedicated small exchange indicating that one of a number of mobile terminals has responded to an incoming call to the extension representative number,

[0103] The generating device generates a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification information for each of all mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group, including mobile terminals that are responding to incoming calls.

[0104] The sending device sends a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification information to all mobile terminals.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 7)

[0106] A communication system, comprising:

[0107] The relay device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6; and

[0108] Dedicated mini switch.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 8)

[0110] According to the communication system described in Supplementary Note 7, the dedicated PBX compares the caller's number, which is the number of the telephone calling the extension representative number, with the caller's number included in the request sent from the mobile terminal that has already responded to the call, and when they match, connects the call between the telephone and the mobile terminal that has already responded to the call.

[0111] (Supplementary Note 9)

[0112] The communication system described in Supplementary Note 7 or 8 also includes a push notification server, which is a server configured to send push notifications to mobile terminals.

[0113] The sending device sends a push notification request to the push notification server, and the push notification server sends a push notification to the mobile terminal.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 10)

[0115] A relay method, comprising:

[0116] Receive incoming call notification information from a dedicated PBX, which indicates that an incoming call has been made to the extension representative number;

[0117] Based on incoming call notification information, a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification is generated for each of the multiple mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group; and

[0118] Perform the processing required to send a push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 11)

[0120] According to the relay method described in Supplementary Note 10, it also includes converting incoming call notification information into push notification requests to be sent to each mobile terminal.

[0121] (Supplementary Note 12)

[0122] According to the relay method described in Supplementary Note 11, it further includes: generating a push notification request based on the terminal numbers and extension representative numbers of multiple mobile terminals, wherein the terminal numbers belong to the extension representative number group included in the incoming call notification information.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 13)

[0124] According to the relay method described in Supplementary Note 12, it further includes: generating a push notification request, which includes: a call answering special number, which is a number used to respond to an incoming call to an extension representative number; the extension representative number; and the caller number, which is the telephone number that is calling the extension representative number.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 14)

[0126] The relay method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 13 further includes: sending a push notification request to a push notification server, and the push notification server sending a push notification to the mobile terminal.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 15)

[0128] The relay method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 14 further includes:

[0129] When a no-response notification message is received from a dedicated PBX indicating that one of multiple mobile terminals has responded to an incoming call to the extension representative number,

[0130] Generate a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification message to each of all mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group, including mobile terminals that are responding to incoming calls, and

[0131] Send a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification message to all mobile devices.

[0132] (Supplementary Note 16)

[0133] A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps:

[0134] Receive incoming call notification information from a dedicated PBX, which indicates that an incoming call has been made to the extension representative number;

[0135] Based on incoming call notification information, a push notification request corresponding to the incoming call notification is generated for each of the multiple mobile terminals belonging to the extension representative number group; and

[0136] Perform the processing required to send a push notification request to the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0137] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of this application.

[0138] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020087881, filed on May 20, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0139] List of reference numerals

[0140] 1. Relay device

[0141] 2 Receiving Unit

[0142] 4 Generation Unit

[0143] 6 Transmitting Unit

[0144] 10. Communication System

[0145] 11. Telephone Network

[0146] 12, 13 Internet

[0147] 14 Mobile carrier network

[0148] 20 telephones

[0149] 40 Dedicated Miniature Switch

[0150] 60 Push Notification Servers

[0151] 70 mobile terminals

[0152] 100 Relay Servers

[0153] 112 Receiving Unit

[0154] 114 Generating Units

[0155] 116 Transmitting Unit.

Claims

1. A relay device, comprising: A receiving device is used to receive incoming call notification information from a dedicated small exchange, wherein the incoming call notification is a notification indicating that a call has been made to the extension representative number; A generating device is configured to generate distinct push notification requests for each of a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to the group of the extension representative number, based on the terminal number of each mobile terminal in the incoming call notification information and the extension representative number, in a manner conforming to push notification server specifications. This allows the device to generate push notification requests corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of the plurality of mobile terminals belonging to the group of the extension representative number, based on the incoming call notification information. The push notification request includes: A special call answering number is used to respond to calls to the extension representative number; this special call answering number is not the extension representative number. The extension number, and The calling party number is the telephone number that is making a call to the extension representative number; as well as A sending device is configured to send push notification requests, which are different for each of the plurality of mobile terminals, to the push notification server, and to perform processing for sending the push notification requests to the corresponding mobile terminals. The push notification server sends push notifications to mobile terminals corresponding to terminal numbers, wherein the terminal number is associated with the push notification request corresponding to the push notification.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein, The generating device converts the incoming call notification information into a push notification request sent to each mobile terminal.

3. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the receiving device receives a no-response notification message from the dedicated mini-switch, the generating device generates a push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification message for each of the mobile terminals in the group belonging to the extension representative number, including the mobile terminal that is responding to the incoming call. The sending device sends the push notification request corresponding to the no-response notification message to all mobile terminals, wherein the no-response notification message indicates that one of the plurality of mobile terminals has responded to the notification of the incoming call to the extension representative number.

4. A communication system, comprising: The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 2; The dedicated small switch; as well as The push notification server.

5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein, The dedicated PBX compares the caller's number, which is the phone number calling the extension representative number, with the caller's number included in the request sent from the mobile terminal that has already responded to the call, and when they match, connects the call between the phone and the mobile terminal that has already responded to the call.

6. A relay method, comprising: Receive incoming call notification information from a dedicated small exchange, wherein the incoming call notification is a notification indicating that a call has been made to the extension representative number; By using the terminal number of each mobile terminal belonging to the group of the extension representative number included in the incoming call notification information and the extension representative number, and in a manner conforming to the push notification server specification, different push notification requests are generated for each of the multiple mobile terminals, thereby generating push notification requests corresponding to the incoming call notification for each of the multiple mobile terminals belonging to the group of the extension representative number based on the incoming call notification information. The push notification request includes: A special call answering number is used to respond to calls to the extension representative number; this special call answering number is not the extension representative number. The extension number, and The calling party number is the telephone number that is making a call to the extension representative number; as well as By sending push notification requests, which are different for each of the plurality of mobile terminals, to the push notification server, the processing for sending the push notification requests to the corresponding mobile terminals is performed. The push notification server sends push notifications to mobile terminals corresponding to terminal numbers, where the terminal number is associated with the push notification request corresponding to the push notification.

7. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the relay method according to claim 6.

Images